Local lawmakers back ban on internet cafes

There was no shortage of local support in passing a ban on internet cafes on Friday in the Florida House.

All five Florida House members that represent parts of Sarasota or Manatee counties voted with the majority in favor of the legislation that would make the internet or sweepstakes cafes illegal. The bill, HB 155, passed 108-7.

Pilon said there is no doubt that Carroll’s resignation sped up the push to ban the cafes, though he said the legislature was already heading in that direction. Pilon said the cafes have been operating off state statutes that weren’t intended to creating gaming operations.

“They were gaming the system,” Pilon said.

A similar bill to ban Internet cafes is moving through the Senate as well, but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.

Jeremy Wallace

Jeremy Wallace has covered politics for more than 15 years.
He can be reached by email or call (941) 361-4966.
""More Wallace"
Make sure to "Like" HT Politics on Facebook for all your breaking political news.

Last modified: March 22, 2013
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published without permissions. Links are encouraged.